Monday, September 21, 2015

As most everyone knows, Skype is part of
Microsoft (Microsoft purchased Skype in 2011), which makes for an easily
accessible tool if you use Microsoft products as often as I do. Everything can
be linked! You can make video and audio calls, exchange chat
messages using Skype'ssoftware on your computer and/or mobile
device just over the internet. Many of the services are even available for
free, or you can of course pay for added bonuses. Skype just simply uses
your computer’s webcam or an external web cam for quick video calls. And of
course there are other virtual online video interviewing tools,
application and software available other than Skype, too.

It has been over ten years since Skype was released
(2003), and I have been seeing more and more companies just beginning to use
these tools recently. The dos and don’ts list for a video interview is
different from both in-person and phone interviews. Hence the need for myself
and my fellow professional recruiters to step up and become a resource to
assist candidates as they prepare for what could very well be your first video
interview.

Video interviews can serve of great value to both
candidates and companies — you still get face-to-face time with an employer
while eliminating the need for travel during the initial interview stage. Here
are some tips you can use as a resource for your next video interview.

VIDEO INTERVIEWING TIPS:

Look at the camera, not the screen.
It’s not unusual to want to watch yourself or your interviewer during a video
interview session, but looking directly at the video camera is the only way to
maintain direct eye contact with your interviewer.

Proper Dress.
When it comes to what you wear, treat your video interview like an in-person
interview and dress professionally. A professional dress code with video
interviews is expected.

Select the optimal location.
Pick a quiet place to interview without an elaborate backdrop so that you can
be the focal point on the screen. Remove anything distracting behind you and
keep it neutral.

Practice.
Doing a run through interview with a friend beforehand is helpful because your
first few video interview calls are likely to feel awkward, especially if you
have to retrain yourself to watch the camera and not the screen (it’s hard not
to look at yourself!). Play around with everything beforehand so that when it's
interview time you are prepared.

Close other programs on your computer.
Getting Facebook notifications during your interview is distracting and
unprofessional. Before your interview, make sure all other windows on your
computer are closed.

Eliminate possible interruptions.
If you are interviewing in a house with multiple people or pets, be sure to let
everyone in the house know ahead of time that you will be in an interview while
securing any animals away from your interview space.

Make certain your profile is professional.
Unlike an in-person or phone interview, your first impression during a video
interview doesn't actually involve you. The first thing your interviewer will
see is your Skype username and picture, so double check that they are both
interview appropriate (professional).

Body language.
Not all physical cues translate from in-person interviews to video interviews,
which make the ones that do even more important. Be sure to have good posture
but don’t be stiff. Hold yourself up but be relaxed as well. Don’t slump
forward.